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Photon API vs Web of Science API Expanded

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIPhoton APIHEALTHY87Web of Science API ExpandedHEALTHY90
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d97.8%99.44%
Uptime · 30d95.0%100%
P50 · ms768649
P95 · ms36031985
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Photon API vs Web of Science API Expanded: common questions

Which is more reliable, Photon API or Web of Science API Expanded?

On our scheduled checks, Web of Science API Expanded leads on measured uptime — Photon API at 97.8% versus Web of Science API Expanded at 99.44% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Which is faster, Photon API or Web of Science API Expanded?

Web of Science API Expanded has the lower median latency in our checks — Photon API responds in 768 ms versus Web of Science API Expanded at 649 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.

Do Photon API and Web of Science API Expanded need an API key?

Photon API needs no key, while Web of Science API Expanded requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Photon API first.

Can I call Photon API and Web of Science API Expanded from the browser?

Only Photon API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. Web of Science API Expanded needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are Photon API and Web of Science API Expanded free for commercial use?

Photon API has unclear commercial terms, and Web of Science API Expanded has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.